By John Dike, Osogbo
Organised labour movement in Osun State on Thursday declared total support for the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election, citing improved workers’ welfare and infrastructural development under his administration.
They gave the endorsement during a sensitisation programme jointly organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council at the Assembly Pavilion in Osogbo.
Speaking at the gathering, labour leaders said the Adeleke administration had demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare through the payment of outstanding half salaries, implementation of the new minimum wage and improved working conditions across the state.
According to them, Osun moved from the 34th position to the third position among states implementing workers-friendly wage policies, describing the development as unprecedented in the state’s recent history.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria in the state, Comrade Akeem Adesina, commended union members for their massive turnout and solidarity.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Osun, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, alongside Comrade Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, Comrade Olalekan Adediran and Comrade Abimbola Fasasi, urged workers to reciprocate the governor’s gestures by mobilising support for his second term ambition.
The labour leaders also advised President Bola Tinubu against allowing political tension or intimidation ahead of the election, insisting that residents of the state should be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.
They charged union members to mobilise eligible voters across their communities and remain committed to the democratic process.
The union leaders further noted that Governor Adeleke had justified public confidence through massive infrastructural projects executed across the state and policies targeted at improving the living standards of workers and residents within three and a half years in office.
Responding on behalf of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Egbedun, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi appreciated the labour unions for their support, describing them as a formidable political force in the state.
He encouraged members not to succumb to intimidation during the election period and urged them to participate actively in the electoral process.
Special prayers were later offered for peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.
The event was attended by lawmakers, the Clerk of the House, Mr Akinwale Amusan, heads of the House of Assembly Service Commission, and representatives of various labour unions across the state.
